The #EndTransDetention campaign officially launched as part of other organizing efforts like the anti deportation movement #Not1More. In May, we organized the second Santa Ana action and, in June, we disrupted a Pride event at the White House, and #ZoraidaPresente.
In May, we organized the first action in Santa Ana, California, which had a significant LGBTQ+ pod, followed by the sit in at the LGBTQ CAVC a month later.
The campaign is part of the broader call to end the criminalization of all immigrants, end all deportations, and to abolish ICE.
After a hunger strike in May and organizing on the ground, our demands were successful in shutting down the detention center in Santa Ana. A group of formerly detained trans women met with Deputy DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in June.
Despite the growing support for the #EndTransDetention campaign, mistreatment of trans people in ICE custody continued resulting in many reported cases of abuse, as well as two more preventable deaths.
Victoria Arellano died in ICE custody. We learned that her death could have been prevented with the right medical care.
We organized the #FreeValeria and #FreeCristina campaigns to free two trans women in detention, and the LGBTQ Caravana Border Action.
Roxsana Hernández died in ICE custody. Familia:TQLM, Transgender Law Center, BLMP, Mijente, and other partners mobilized to demand #JusticeforRoxsana. In August, the ABQ National Action took place.
Johana Medina died due to ICE’s medical negligence. Familia:TQLM, Mijente, BLMP, TLC, and Detained Migrant Solidarity Committee mobilized to demand #JusticeforJohana in El Paso.
On May 31st, we established the first Trans Immigrants’ Day to honor all trans migrant people. After much advocacy, Chin Tsui and Sza Sza Codner were released from ICE custody.
We launched a national petition demanding President Biden and DHS Secretary end the detentions of trans people, as well as anyone diagnosed with HIV or other critical medical conditions. We organized local efforts, sent a letter signed by 37+ formerly detained trans people to the Biden White House, and got trans woman Eva Rosas released after we launched the #FreeTiaEva campaign.